SR 169 bridge between Black Diamond and Enumclaw to reopen Friday

The state Route 169 bridge over the Green River between Black Diamond and Enumclaw will reopen Friday after an eight-month closure for emergency repairs, WSDOT reported Thursday.

The Kummer Bridge, as it’s known, was closed Nov. 18 due to concern that it was vulnerable to landslides after soil shifts around the bridges’ supports. Crews cleared dirt from around the south end of the bridge, installed a better drainage system for groundwater, and built a 160-foot-long retaining wall to protect against future erosion. Repairs started on the bridge and road in June 2008.

WSDOT is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday on the bridge’s south end, which will be attended by Howard Botts, Black Diamond’s mayor; John Wise, Enumclaw’s mayor; and state legislators and county officials. The ceremony is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m, according to WSDOT.